Raj govt orders strict sterilisation in OTs as Kota deaths probe examines infection angle

Jaipur: Amid the probe into the deaths of three women after C-sections in Kota, the Rajasthan govt on Sunday directed all medical colleges and hospitals across the state to strictly enforce sterilisation and aseptic protocols during all surgical and post-surgical procedures.

The govt issued instructions to principals and controllers of all medical colleges and medical superintendents of attached hospitals regarding the same.

The directive comes as investigators examine whether hospital-acquired infection or bacterial contamination in the operation theatre at New Medical College Hospital, Kota, contributed to the deaths and severe complications reported among women who underwent C-sections there earlier this week.

The cause of the three maternal deaths at NMCH is yet to be ascertained. Investigators are focusing on the possibility that the women contracted an infection in the operation theatre during surgery.

Officials said samples from the OT have been collected and sent for testing. “The report of the samples from the OT is yet to be received. The fumigation of the OT has already been done to prevent infection. The OT was briefly opened after the process and has now been closed again,” a medical education department official said.

The medical education department is not ruling out surgical site infection after C-section delivery, a known postoperative complication that studies suggest affects around 3% to 15% of women. Officials said C-section-related surgical site infection can carry a maternal mortality risk of up to 3%.

Investigating teams are examining whether there were lapses in sterilisation and infection-control protocols in the OT where the procedures were performed. Culture test results are awaited and are expected to indicate whether harmful bacteria were present and whether they can be linked to the complications and deaths.

“We have received directive calls for immediate compliance with prescribed standards for infection control, cleanliness and sterilisation practices during all surgical and post-surgical procedures. We have been instructed to take a strict view of any lapse in maintaining aseptic conditions, especially in operation theatres where maternal and surgical care is provided,” said a gynaecologist at a govt-run hospital attached to a medical college.